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The Reed
Vivid and insightful, with memorable, multifaceted characters—Musen skillfully creates a nuanced portrait of life in ancient times. — Kirkus Reviews
* * * IPPY Awards Bronze Medal Winner * * *
Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist
Three thousand years ago, a profound mystery took the identity of the true author behind the Bible.
In this provocative novel, one woman wields the reed, the power to write history itself, as she faces a seemingly impossible mission—to stop Ancient Israel from plunging into civil war and harness the potency of words to change the course of a nation. Who truly holds the pen that shapes belief? And what is the price of revealing the truth?
Uncover hidden histories and explore the power—and peril—of storytelling.
* * * IPPY Awards Bronze Medal Winner * * *
Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist
Three thousand years ago, a profound mystery took the identity of the true author behind the Bible.
In this provocative novel, one woman wields the reed, the power to write history itself, as she faces a seemingly impossible mission—to stop Ancient Israel from plunging into civil war and harness the potency of words to change the course of a nation. Who truly holds the pen that shapes belief? And what is the price of revealing the truth?
Uncover hidden histories and explore the power—and peril—of storytelling.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2024
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3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 31, 2025
The Reed is a very readable historical novel. The premise is that the Old Testament was written by a woman who had migrated to Judah (the home country of the tribe of Israel of that name) from the upper Nile valley. Author Musen makes her a compelling character, so that I wanted to keep reading about her. The depth of detail regarding the Old Testament and the history of the area make the story credible. Musen's prose is excellent and understated, which allows the story to take center stage.
October 6, 2025
This book absolutely captivated me from the start. The idea of one woman holding the power to shape history through her words is both inspiring and haunting. It’s not just historical fiction it’s a meditation on truth, belief, and how stories define entire civilizations.
I was drawn in by the vivid sense of ancient Israel and the moral weight behind every choice the protagonist makes. The blend of myth, history, and theology kept me turning the pages, and the questions it raises about authorship and faith stayed with me long after finishing. A bold, beautifully written exploration of the power and danger of storytelling.
I was drawn in by the vivid sense of ancient Israel and the moral weight behind every choice the protagonist makes. The blend of myth, history, and theology kept me turning the pages, and the questions it raises about authorship and faith stayed with me long after finishing. A bold, beautifully written exploration of the power and danger of storytelling.
September 9, 2025
Jordan has conceived a wondrous narrative, inventive and well grounded in the literature. And at the risk of sounding trite, it really is a page-turner.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews